Safety

Titled “Recreate Responsibly. NPS.” Illustration of a hiker on a trail heading towards trees, mountains, and runner. Text includes five tips: Know Before You Go, Keep It Close, Know Your Limits, Keep It With You (Leave No Trace), Keep Your Distance.

NPS / Matt Turner-Alt Text at the bottom of the page

EMERGENCIES: CALL 911
Emergencies consist of an unexpected dangerous situation with immediate risk to life, limb, property, or environment and requires IMMEDIATE action. Always be prepared to say you are at Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park and direct them to park staff to assist in accessing remote portions of the park.

Non-emergencies: Call (478) 752-8257 and press 0.
Non-emergencies include vandalism, suspicious behavior, disregard of park rules, etc.

Do not leave valuables in the car. That includes wallets, phones, keys, and children.

Keep Wildlife WildWe have a large selection of wildlife that call the park home. Just to name a few, we have snakes (venomous and non-venomous), alligators, turtles, ticks, mosquitos, etc. Always come prepared and give all wildlife at least 25 yards (2 school buses) distance. Do not try to pick up, harass, or kill any wildlife within the park, it is against the law to do so.

Trails
No matter the season ALWAYS TAKE WATER on the trails. The average trail is 1 mile long. There are a total of 8 miles worth of hiking trails within the park. Always check trail heads for distance and type of trail (foot trail, biking trail, etc.).

Always be weather aware. Temperatures and weather can change quickly. Summer temperatures can reach triple digits and afternoon thunderstorms can develop quickly. Before beginning a hike make sure to check current and projected weather conditions.

Pets
Pets are allowed to travel down designated hiking trails. Pets are not allowed in the Visitor Center (service animals allowed). Pets are to be always kept on a leash. The leash cannot be longer than 6-foot long, and must be held and/or attached to the owner at all times.Do not allow pets to approach the water’s edge or swim in the creek or pond, there are alligators and snakes in the park.Do not leave pets unattended at any time while within the park, this includes leaving your pet in the car while you hike. Temperatures can prove dangerous to animals left in vehicles, especially during the summer months.

Recreate Responsibly
Our goal here at Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park is to preserve the natural, cultural, and ecological history of the Macon Plateau. Recreational activities are limited to designated areas and trails.

Keep off the mound slopes. At no time are climbing the mounds allowed while visiting the park. There are stairs to access the top of the Great Temple Mound. Any dropped or lost items off the mound (that did not make it to the bottom) must be reported to the front desk.

Picnics are only allowed in the designated picnic area and the grass field in front of the outdoor classroom. Always pick up and pack up any trash or items you brought into the park. Leave no trace.

Bikes are only allowed on the Park Road, Heritage Trail and River Trail. NO BIKES, ROLLER BLADES, SCOOTERS, ETC. ON THE MAIN TRAIL OR THE MOUNDS!

Swimming is not allowed anywhere in the park. Fishing is allowed only in designated locations and local/state laws must be followed while fishing in the park. Ask a park ranger for further information.

At no time are drones, kites, or unmanned aircrafts allowed to be in use at the park. Detailed information can be found in policies.

 
Recreate Responsibly Alt Text

Titled “Recreate Responsibly. NPS.” Illustration of a hiker on a trail heading towards trees, mountains, and runner. Text includes five tips. First tip: Know Before You Go. Visit nps.gov to find park information and current conditions to make a plan and have supplies. Stay home if you are sick. Second tip: Keep it Close. Follow state and local ordinances about open status of places. The NPS is working with local governments and health authorities to gradually increase access to parks. Third tip: Know Your Limits. Save new or difficult activities for later to help let first responders, parks, and communities focus on the pandemic response. Fourth tip: Keep It With You. If you bring something to the park, take it out. Trash pickup and restrooms may be limited. Leave No Trace. Fifth tip: Keep Your Distance. Recreate with people from your household and provide others with plenty of room in accordance with CDC social distancing guidelines. Cover your nose and mouth if safe social distancing is not possible.

Last updated: June 14, 2024

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

1207 Emery Hwy
Macon, GA 31217

Phone:

478 752-8257 x222

Contact Us